A special feast for the dance aficionados occurs next week when renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson visits the Boston area between Aug. 9-13.

Ms. Leela Samson is one of India's most dynamic and technically brilliant exponents of the Bharatanatyam style of Indian classical dance. Leela is an outstanding representative of Kalakshetra, the famed institute for the classical arts founded by the late Rukmini Devi Arundale in Chennai. Leela joined Kalakshetra as a young child and spent many years imbibing the nuances of Bharatanatyam. Over years of independent work, her dance has metamorphosed into an exquisite personal expression, which is unostentatious, serene and characterized by an impeccable technique that blends geometrical precision with vibrancy. Her rhythmic acumen is apparent in dance compositions containing varied and challenging percussion patterns. Leela has choreographed a number of group and solo compositions in Bharatanatyam. She has authored several articles as well as a book, ‘Rhythm in Joy’. Leela Samson was awarded the prestigious Padmashri by the President of India and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Bharatanatyam.

Commenting on a performance she gave in Chennai in December, The Hindu newspaper wrote, “Her grace, her agility, her humility and her poise all combined, produced an electrifying effect on the audience. Her aesthetic dress sense and her cheerful countenance endeared herself further – a memorable experience”

On Sunday, August 10 at 3pm, Leela Samson, will be giving a dance recital at the National Heritage Museum, Lexington. There is a reception with the artist, planned to take place after the performance. For more information, please visit: www.merufoundation.org.

On Saturday, August 9 at 10am, Leela Samson, will be presenting a lecture on the aesthetics of dance, at the National Heritage Museum, Lexington. She will discuss how dance is architecture in complete abstraction, it is created with no physical materials yet is a living example of creating sacred space where the aesthetic can be experienced. She will explore the development of the modern day performance, which has displaced classical Indian dance from the temple where it used to be performed to the modern stage and how that affects the purpose of dance itself. She will also explore the Rasa theory in classical Bharatanatyam to show the creation of emotive spaces and transformative qualities of classical Indian dance. This lecture event is open to the public and is free of charge. It is recommended that people register for it ahead of time. For more information, please visit: www.merufoundation.org.

In a 3-day Dance Workshop for dancers, Leela Samson will work with Bharatanatyam students on techniques, body movements and abhinaya of Classical Indian Dance. This workshop takes place on August 11,12,13 at the Dance Studio at The Bedford Town Hall.

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